Antique Silver Wine Funnel

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Object Description

A good antique sterling silver wine strainer with a gadroon border and shaped thumb piece. Plain style. Good weight and colour. Weight 121 grams, 3.8 troy ounces. Length 15 cms. Diameter 8.1 cms. London 1813. Maker Elizabeth Morley.

Biography – Elizabeth Morley, widow of Thomas Morley, 1st mark entered as smallworker 1794. 2nd mark entered 1796. 3rd mark 1800.

Thomas Morley, no record of apprenticeship or freedom. 1st mark entered as plateworker in partnership with George Baskerville 1775. 2nd mark alone 1778. 3rd mark 1779. Died circa 1794.

Object Literature

The wine funnel became common towards the end of the 18th century; a few rare earlier examples exist. With the modern wine making methods wine funnels are generally used just for decanting wine however in olden times the wine needed to be filtered before drinking it. The pierced platform is not normally sufficient to strain the wine properly and needs a piece of muslin fitted between the pierced section and the spout. There are two main varieties: the first has a spout which detaches just below the bowl of the funnel, the other has a detachable inner bowl with a pierced centre inside the main bowl. Occasionally there is a further detachable ring which held the muslin firmly. Funnels exist without a pierced strainer and were probably used to decant liquor or possibly perfume; these are normally smaller in size.

Object Condition

This excellent silver wine funnel is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Both pieces are stamped with full and matching English silver hallmarks. Fully functional.

Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details

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By appointment only.

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Dealer Location

Vault 31-32
The London Silver Vaults
53-64 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1QS

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